Marvin Velasquez. Handout
Filipino singer Marvin Velasquez is continuing his music career in the United Kingdom while expanding his work into event production with a singing competition aimed at aspiring performers.
Velasquez, who has been dubbed the "Prince of Philippine Bossa Nova," has performed at various events organized by the Filipino-British community, including concerts, charity shows, Barrio Fiestas, fashion shows and pageants.
The singer began his career performing easy-listening songs before eventually finding his niche in bossa nova.
Composer Jun Mallillin, known for his work with The Boyfriends and Abrakadabra, helped develop Velasquez's musical direction along with Erasmo Mallillin. The collaboration resulted in several original bossa nova-inspired songs, including "Tabing Dagat," "Mambo," "Samba Chacha," "White Sand of Manila," "Lovers Waltz" and "Blue Ocean."
Since moving his music career to the UK, Velasquez has continued performing the genre while appearing at Filipino community events and other engagements.
He has also ventured into event production through UKANT, or UK Awit Ng Tanghalan, a solo singing competition created to provide a platform for aspiring singers and musicians in the United Kingdom.
Velasquez said organizing the competition required him to take on responsibilities ranging from conceptualizing the event and arranging auditions to recruiting contestants.
The UKANT grand finals are scheduled for August 28 at the Mill Hill Country Club.
Aside from the competition, Velasquez is involved in the musical film "Pera Kwarta Salapi," which is scheduled for another screening on August 15. Plans are also underway for "Pera Kwarta Salapi — The Musicale" in 2027, a joint project of Erasmostar Talents and Entertainment Management and Okawari Ventures.
Velasquez is also preparing to release new original music in the coming months, including the bossa nova track "Pusong Bigo."
Asked what advice he would give aspiring singers, Velasquez encouraged young performers to remain humble and continue honing their craft.
"Be talented to showcase what you got, always be humble and true to yourself and don't pretend of knowing everything about music. Keep asking, continue learning and be authentic," he said.
Velasquez also expressed hopes of eventually recording a duet with Filipino bossa nova queen Sitti.